The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK’s principal funder of basic and strategic biological research. To deliver its mission, the BBSRC supports research and research training in universities and research centres throughout the UK, including BBSRC-sponsored institutes; and promotes knowledge transfer from research to applications in business, industry and policy, and public engagement in the biosciences.

Science

The main aim of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is to promote and support, by any means, high-quality, basic, strategic and applied research to contribute towards ensuring the United Kingdom stays at the forefront of bioscience research.

Science graduates employed by the BBSRC contribute to world-class, cutting-edge research in areas such as stem cell biology, animal health and welfare, nanotechnology, neurobiology, plant sciences, immunology and genomics.

The BBSRC does not recruit solely within the biology sector, but brings together a wide variety of disciplines including bioscientists, mathematicians, chemists, physical scientists and engineers, as well as providing many opportunities for support areas such as finance, public relations and IT.

How we operate

The BBSRC currently supports seven research institutes and five interdisciplinary Research Centres, plus several smaller units and groups within the university sector. The institutes are located in southern England, East Anglia, west Wales and Edinburgh.

Around £400m of funding is provided annually to support this research.

Benefits and equal opportunities

BBSRC’s conditions of service are fair and attractive, accompanied by the valuable benefits and support you would expect from a leading scientific organisation. An enhanced salary progression scheme exists for postdoctoral research scientists.

BBSRC has active equal opportunities policies designed to ensure that selection, development and promotion are based upon merit. Half the research institutes sponsored by the BBSRC have established crèche/childcare facilities, and the BBSRC has increased maternity related rights along with adoption and dependency care leave.

Job applications are therefore welcome regardless of gender, ethnic origin or disability.

Work locations

BBSRC institutes are located in Southern England, East Anglia, West Wales and Edinburgh.

Salary and benefits

Starting salaries for first-degree graduates are £25,576–£28,418, related to qualifications and experience. Other benefits include a noncontributory pension scheme and generous holiday allowances.

Application procedure

As we do not operate a graduate trainee scheme, applications should be made in response to specific advertisements, eg in New Scientist or Nature. Or on the BBSRC website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk